Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? As the world opens up to travel, it may have been some time since you last took a holiday.
These are the destinations letting tourists in right now, but check before you travel, as rules can change faster than you can say “holiday”.
Guests travelling from Saudi Arabia’s airports are advised to download the national health app, Tawakkalna App, which will display your vaccination status and latest PCR test results. So once you’re swabbed and jabbed, here’s where you can head off to from King Khalid International Airport. Be sure to check with your airline on the requirements in each destination, and the requirements for leaving Riyadh.
Ready? Read on.
Where you can you fly from Riyadh right now?
Austria
Austria is popular with nature lovers due to its Insta-worthy landscapes, from Bregenzerwald’s mountain forests to the Austrian Alps. If you are after a winter holiday, visit Austria from December to March for the ski season. If you are planning a summer holiday, Austria has the perfect weather and terrain for hiking and cycling.
Vienna is a cultural capital, boasting sights from the Sigmund Freud Museum to Klimt’s The Kiss in Upper Belvedere Palace. While more than 300,000 visitors each year follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapp family and visit Salzburg, which is where The Sound of Music was filmed.
Saudi Arabia is currently on Austria’s list of countries with low epidemiological risk, which means that visitors currently do not have to quarantine. You need to present proof of vaccination, a negative test result that was taken no more than 72 hours ago or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19. Only certificated in German or English issued by a medical professional or public authority will be accepted.
Six vaccines are being accepted including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm and Sinovac.
Egypt
The Sphinx, Pyramids of Giza and River Nile – Egypt has an endless list of historical sights. After you’ve made a beeline for the architectural wonders, don’t miss out on Cairo’s Khan El Kahlili Souk, which is great for souvenirs, and Fayruz Lebanese Restaurant, where you can try traditional dishes, from hummus to kibbeh.
Visitors who hold a Covid-19 vaccine certificate with a printed QR code from the Sehaty app are allowed to travel into Egypt without the need to hold PCR. The certificate must show that 14 days had passed from the second dose for vaccines with two doses.
Approved vaccines include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. If you have not been vaccinated, you must have a PCR test that was taken 72 hours before arrival – carry a hard copy, which should be in Arabic or English and include a QR code.
France
Whether shopping on the Champs-Élysées, skiing in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, making time for the family at Disneyland Paris or seeing historical sights at the Palace of Versailles, France has something for every kind of traveller. As the French love to explore their own country during the summer, make sure you have booked months in advance, so all you have to worry about is where to get your fix of freshly baked croissants – we recommend Du Pain et des Idées in Paris.
Saudi Arabia is on the green list, which means that passengers aged 12 or older must present proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before the flight or an antigen test taken 48 hours before take-off. On arrival, visitors will have to take a Covid-19 PCR test and self-isolate for seven days. www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Attestation-de-deplacement-et-de-voyage.
Germany
Calling all history lovers. The Berlin Wall, Reichstag building and Neuschwanstein Castle – did you know the Disney castle was based on this? – are just some of Germany’s historical sights. Make time to try traditional German food, such as bratwurst (sausage that can be made from veal and beef) – if you’re in Berlin, put the budget restaurant Curry 36 on your menu.
Saudi Arabia is currently not classified as a risk area. Travellers aged 12 or over must have taken a negative test, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. The most up to date information can be found at einreiseanmeldung.de.
Vaccines approved by German officials include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and a period of at least 14 days must have elapsed since receiving the final dose before touching down on German soil.
Italy
Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? To one of the most iconic destinations for food and history on the planet.
Italy has big blockbuster sights, from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel. Not to mention, food and drink that packs a punch – tiramasu, anyone? If you want to go to the home of pizza and pasta, you can now explore world famous cities including Venice, Rome and Naples.
Visitors are required to present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate and present a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours before departure. The certificate must be in Italian, English, French or Spanish. You are required to fill in the passenger locator form and digital locations form before entry (app.euplf.eu).
While vaccinations must have taken place with a vaccine validated by the European Medicines Agency. The vaccines recognised by Italy include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.
Jordan
In Jordan, you can see one of the seven wonders of the world: none other than Petra, which dates back to around 300 BC. You may know it better as the backdrop for the finale of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusades. While the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth, is where you can lay back and float away, due to the high concentration of salt.
Whatever your nationality, if you are residing permanently in a GCC country, you can enter into Jordan either by obtaining a visa upon arrival or through the Jordanian embassy.
All Guests are required to complete a travel form prior to their departure (www.visitjordan.gov.jo) and obtain the QR code that is to be presented prior to boarding and upon arrival.
Visitors must present a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of arrival. All non-Jordanians guests must have health insurance. Unvaccinated visitors must take a PCR test upon arrival, which costs approximately SAR 148.
Lebanon
Whether it’s skiing in Mzaar Kfardebian or sunbathing on its Mediterranean beaches, Lebanon has a varied climate, which makes it a popular holiday destination. Given the recent currency fluctuations, your riyals will take you further.
Beirut is its party capital and is labelled the “Paris of the Middle East”. Where else can you party in a former detention centre? B018 used to be a site for refugees and is now a place where DJs spin tunes. Je táime, Lebanon.
Visitors must present a negative PCR test, which was taken 96 hours before arrival Anyone who has had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at least 15 days before arrival is also exempt from providing a negative test result. Whether vaccinated or not, you will still have to take a test after landing.
Vaccinated travellers with a medical report certifying their status are exempt from quarantine, as are those with proof of previous Covid-19 infection in the form of a positive IgG antibodies test or a recent positive PCR test.
Maldives
If you’re looking at where you can fly from Riyadh right now, this might be one of the most glorious destinations. Swimming, snorkelling, surfing and so much more, the Maldives is the ultimate destination to unwind. In six hours you can go from city life in Riyadh to the beautiful beaches of the Maldives. The archipelago is popular as a honeymoon destination, but there’s no reason why you can’t treat yourself.
As Jumeirah Maldives have just opened a new all-villa luxury resort, complete with a 24-hour butler service, we know where we are putting our feet up.
More than 65 percent of the population is vaccinated, making it a popular place with tourists. All visitors should hold a valid negative PCR test result, which was taken up to 96 hours before departure. This requirement is not mandatory for children under 1 years of age.
Oman
Oman has many wonders, from a secret waterfall inside a cave at Wadi Ash Shab to the splendour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. While its forts and castles make it a great spot place for heritage lovers.
In September, Oman changed its rules so that anyone with a Covid-19 vaccination certificate could enter the country. All Guests arriving to Oman must present a negative Covid-19 test, so that they are exempted from quarantine. For short flights, the test must be taken within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival time and must be validated and certified with a QR code.
If you do not have a negative Covid-19 PCR test, you will have to take a test upon arrival, enter a quarantine and wear an electronic tracking bracelet until a negative result is received.
Qatar
Qatar is expecting an influx of football fans, as it will be hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022. But there’s more to this country than this world-famous sporting event. After you’ve taken a photo with Lamp Bear at Hamad International Airport, wander through one of the country’s oldest markets, Souk Waqif, and discover local talent at the Fire Station art gallery.
Passengers are required to download all official documents and present the travel permit to the airline employees Pre-electronic registration must be completed 12 hours prior to travel on ehteraz.gov.qa, and you will need to submit documents including your passport and vaccination certificate.
All arrivals will need to provide a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before reaching Qatar. Visitors are exempt from quarantine if they have taken both doses of the following vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen. Those who have received the Sinopharm vaccine will need to take an antibody test on arrival.
Spain
Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? Well. Want to test out your Duolingo Spanish? Enjoy Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid – DiverXO is the capital’s only three-star restaurant – admire Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona or party the night away in Ibiza.
Visitors will be able to enter Spain provided they have been fully vaccinated 14 days before travel or can provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken 48 hours prior to their arrival in Spain. The certificate must be in English, French, German or Spanish. Children over the age of six must also present a negative result.
Travellers need to show a physical vaccination certificate on arrival in Spain and must have received an approved vaccine, which includes Janssen, Moderna, Serum Institute of India, Sinovac, Pfizer, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines.
International passengers must also complete the Health Control Form online before they land. For full information on requirements visit www.spth.gob.es/.
South Africa
It’s all about nature in South Africa. Hike or take a cable car up to Capetown’s Table Mountain and take a safari in the Pilanesberg National Park where you can spot amazing animals, from zebras to leopards. The most popular time to visit is from May to September, as you’ll be able to enjoy the cooler weather and spot more wildlife.
Visitors will be able to enter South Africa provided they have been fully vaccinated 14 days before travel or can provide a negative Covid-19 PCR result taken 72 hours before departure. An “immunity passport”, “risk-free certificate” or “passport immunity” is not acceptable. Visitors must complete an entry screening form.
Switzerland
If you want to beat the heat, what better way to do it than by visiting the Swiss Alps? The country has plenty of ways to unwind. Admire the beauty of Lake Zurich, shop for designer labels at Rue du Rhône or visit Chaplin’s World (where he spent his retirement) in Corsier-sur-Vevey.
If you can provide proof that you have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, then you are exempt from having to take a PCR test or quarantining. If you have not been vaccinated, you must present a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours) or a negative antigen test (no older than 48 hours) before boarding.
If you have had Covid-19 in the past six months, must have proof of the infection and can enter the country. All visitors will need to fill an entry form before landing (swissplf.admin.ch/formular). Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? The home of some of the world’s best chocolate, and cheese. That’s where. Tasty.
Turkey
Turkey is often labelled as the gateway between the East and West. With its architecture originating from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, coupled with majestic mosques and terrific tapas, the country is a real melting pot of cultures.
If you’ve been vaccinated and have received your final dose at least 14 days before touching down in Turkey, you do not need to submit any PCR results.
If you are unvaccinated, you need to provide either a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of landing or take a rapid antigen test that’s been done within 48 hours. If you have previously tested positive for Covid-19, you must provide proof that you have had the virus in the last six months before entry, starting from the 28th day of the first positive PCR test result.
Before travelling to Turkey, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers must fill in an information form at least 72 hours in advance.
United Kingdom
Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? The home of iconic department stores including Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty. Love to shop? Live to shop? Sorted.
Whether it’s shopping in Oxford Street, the charming countryside in the Cotswolds or West End musicals, what the UK lacks in its weather (visit during the spring and summer months), it makes up for in choice. There are options to suit every budget, from free world-class museums to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Saudi Arabia is on the amber list. If you are fully vaccinated, you must take a test on or before day two. You must have been vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme, a UK vaccination programme overseas or an approved vaccination programme in Europe or the UAE.
If your vaccine is not recognised or you are not fully vaccinated, you are required to take a PCR test 72 hours before you travel and then quarantine for ten days. You must book your PCR tests in the UK in advance and take a test on day two and day eight. You are able to end your quarantine if you book a test on day five, through the Test to Release scheme. (www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#amber-list-rules)
United Arab Emirates
Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? To the first country in the Middle East to have a Time Out Market, that’s where. And delicious it is too.
We were thrilled to see that Saudi Arabia lifted restrictions to and from the UAE. If you are travelling to the country, however, entry requirements differ between the emirates.
As flights resumed just in time for Expo 2020 Dubai, this means you can add the exhibition to your itinerary. Stop off at our very own Time Out Market Dubai, which has 17 local chefs and restauranteurs ready to feed you.
Even if you are travelling from a GGC country, passengers travelling to Dubai must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
If you are coming to Abu Dhabi, you can travel quarantine-free if you’ve been fully vaccinated. Register via the ICA Smart Travel Service and take a test 48 hours before entry.
United States of America
Where can you fly from Riyadh right now? Oh, just to the home of Cher, Disneyworld and some magnificent pastrami sandwiches.
If you’ve been having American dreams of the Hollywood sign or the Statue of Liberty, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that you can fly to the country. Saudia is currently flying to New York and Los Angeles, meaning you can follow in your favourite celebrity’s footsteps – literally – and walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame or climb to the top of the Empire State Building, which has been the location for many movies, from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle.
All passengers aged two and above must provide a negative test taken within 72 hours of travel. A completed disclosure and attestation form must also be presented before boarding. There is an entry ban for those who have travelled through high-risk countries in the last 14 days.
If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended that you take a Covid-19 test three to five days after arrival and quarantine for a full seven days after arrival. If you do not take the second test it is recommended that you quarantine for 10 days.
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